Mock drafts are coming out more often now that there are only eight teams left in the National Football League playoffs. There are multiple directions that the Minnesota Vikings can go in the 2024 NFL draft but it will be determined by how the top of the draft.
In the latest mock draft from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, the top three quarterbacks are all gone by the eighth overall pick so the Vikings have to change their direction.
At the 11th overall pick, Brugler has the Vikings selecting UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu and he had great things to say about the talented Bruin.
Over his two seasons at UCLA, Latu accounted for 34 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He has first-step quickness and bend, but his crafty handwork and ability to diversify his attack separate him as a pass rusher. His injury history could be an issue, but this Vikings regime has taken chances with those risks in the past.
As Brugler states, the injury history could become a really big issue with Latu, especially since he medically retired due to a neck injury.
With their second pick in Brugler’s two-round mock draft, he has the Vikings taking another piece to add to their defensive line in Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhohoro.
The Vikings double up on the defensive line. Well-built at 6-4, 295 with 34-inch arms, Orhorhoro is an impressive mover and offers a high ceiling after he was late to the game of football.
This isn’t the sexiest mock draft for the Vikings but sometimes you need to eat your oatmeal and get back to the basics. This accomplishes that and more.
